Cover Story:Benefit Corporations: A New Formula for Social Change By:Shelly Alcorn, CAE, and Mark AlcornThe traditional division between for-profit corporations and nonprofit organizations is being blurred by an emerging form of business: the benefit corporation, which commits itself to providing social or environmental benefits while still showing a healthy bottom line. While they raise concerns for the nonprofit community, benefit corporations create new opportunities for associations to pursue their missions.
Partnering for International Nondues Revenue By:Douglas R. KellyThe National Restaurant Association had an education program that was ready to go global, but it couldn't expand by itself. By working with an experienced partner and staying flexible, the association increased revenue and established roots around the world. (Titled "Passport to International Markets" in the print edition.)
Hiring From Outside the Association World By:Nancy Mann JacksonAssociations looking for the strongest talent the market has to offer are extending their search to distant horizons, hiring senior staff with an industry or for-profit background instead of bringing in seasoned association professionals. Learn the pluses and minuses of doing so—and what makes for an easier transition if you bring an association newcomer on board. (Titled "Get An Outside Perspective" in the print edition.)
Archiving Your Association's History By:Christine UmbrellEvery association has a history, but many couldn't tell you what it is. An archiving effort can preserve and showcase members' shared past, renewing loyalty and commitment to the mission. (Titled "Institutional Memory" in the print edition.)
Should You Sell Your Expo? By:Douglas L. DucateWith the exhibition industry struggling and research estimating that recovery is still several years off, associations must find ways to maximize revenue from their tradeshows. One option may be to sell their expos to an outside partner or investor. (Titled "Priced to Sell" in the print edition.)
Give Back to Your Meeting's Host City By:Linda C. ChandlerWith all of the hard work that goes into planning your meeting or tradeshow, it can be easy to forget how much a host city does to prepare for the event. In Texas, organizations are finding that service or charitable projects are a great way to show appreciation to a local community and bond with members at the same time. (Titled "Say Thanks by Giving Back" in the print edition)
Web Design With a Member Focus By:Elizabeth Ayer and Timothy E. McMahonWhen the American Mathematical Society redesigned its website, it knew which communities it wanted to reach but wasn’t sure what content would resonate with them. By combining tech savvy and in-person research, AMS built a new site that grows with its members. (Titled “A People-Driven Web Redesign” in the print edition.)
Association Intranets That Work By:Beth ZiesenisIntranets are no longer just static repositories of HR memos and board minutes. They’re collaborative tools that help your staff perform better with each other and with volunteers. Here’s how a variety of associations have built flexible intranets that earn high marks with users. (Titled "Common Threads" in the print edition.)
Departments
Horizons
Feel Like a Firefighter at Work? By:Aaron D. Wolowiec, CAEIt's time to let a few of those fires burn out on their own and carve out some time in your work life for reflection and big-picture thinking.
Online Listening Made Simple(r) By:Karla TaylorFour steps to hearing what your members are saying in social media—before it blows up on you.
States With the Most Associations Employees You're not just in DC and Chicago. Find out the 10 states with the most association employees. [Titled "Where You Work" in the print edition.]
A Lesson in Revenue and Retention By:Andrew S. Lang, FASAEAn education program launched to address a building-industry downturn reaps big returns for the Marble Institute of America.
A Strategic Marketing and Membership Mindset By:Samantha WhitehorneHow the National Business Officers Association takes advantage of its small staff size when it comes to marketing to its members.
American Society of Association Executives™ (ASAE), 1575 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20005 P. 888.950.2723, F. 202.371.8315 or P. 202.371.0940 (in Washington, DC)
